Monthly Archives January 2016

Two years ago, after experiencing skin issues for a long time, I switched to a fiber-loaded diet to detoxify my digestive system long-term and help it eliminate toxins and old estrogen. I read in Kathryn Alexander’s book (which I think is a must have if you are trying to understand the basics of a healthy diet and why a poor one is most often the cause of our different health issues) that for a period of time I should stick to a breakfast based on oats or barley, be it granola, muesli, or porridge. At that time, I’d never had porridge before, and I was really curious about it. I made Bircher once and didn’t really enjoy it, then I discovered the classic which became one of my favorite breakfasts ever.

Jamie’s Italy was my first cookbook, and this wonderfully talented guy won my heart and a special place on my kitchen shelf ever since. I still find inspiration in his work after all this time, and I’m always happy to watch every show or project he’s up to. Last year, in one of the episodes of his Friday Night Feast, he was challenged to create a burger to impress vegan guest star Ellie Goulding, and boy he sure did it! That green monster bathed in spicy vegan mayo haunted me and soon turned into a …

Putting together a healthy wrap might be one of the simplest things you do in your kitchen. Don’t think fancy ingredients or superfoods – I always happen to have some extra roasted veggies from last night’s dinner, maybe some hummus, an avocado, or some fresh aromatic herbs. You don’t necessarily need a recipe, just let yourself play with the available ingredients, use spices, add eggs to enrich the nutritional profile, pack everything in a whole wheat or gluten-free wrap and you’re ready for a …!

The first days of January pass quickly, with only a few hours of sunlight and a lot of awareness for every new sound, light, person and little joy of this young year. A lazy sunrise is for meditation and setting up the digestive fire with turmeric tea, while sunset goes by slowly in glorious contemplation, with a ruby-shaded ginger elixir. A favorite this winter, and inspired by one of Heidi’s Near and Far recipes, this is a drink for rooting into the new year and for nurturing the body’s cells to incite their …

It’s been many years since I’ve overindulged the heavy way during the holidays because I eat healthily most of the time. I’ve learned to choose the correct food combinations and balance the quantities so that I never end up overwhelmed by my food. It’s a matter of control and it comes with practice. And with time, you learn to listen to your body and mind, and not your instincts telling you that another slice of cake won’t do you any harm. Indulging is a great thing if done in moderation, and moderation is also the reason why …